The Independent - December 06, 2024

In this issue

December 06, 2024

Shaken, not stirred: Labour 'reset' gets muted response

Sir Keir Starmer attempted to relaunch his struggling government yesterday with a new set of six \"milestones\" aimed at persuading voters he is making progress.

4 mins

Prioritise EU ties over deals with US, voters tell Starmer

Voters believe the UK should prioritise its relationship with Europe over the US, a poll has revealed, as concern grows about the re-election of Donald Trump.

2 mins

Barely a spare bed in NHS, warn nurses as flu crisis hits

NHS leaders have warned hospitals are \"busier than ever\" for this time of year, as new figures show the number of people in hospital with flu is four times higher than in the same period last year.

3 mins

What does abolishing the controversial Legacy Act mean for Northern Ireland?

Without I anyone much noticing, the government is to abolish one of the most controversial pieces of legislation passed by the last government: the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, commonly called the Legacy Act.

3 mins

Drivers warned over floods as UK set for 80mph winds

Motorists are being urged not to drive through floodwater amid warnings of heavy rain and 80mph winds set to batter large swathes of the UK over the coming days.

2 mins

Reclusive parents buried toddler in their garden after failing to seek medical help

A reclusive couple who buried their three-year-old son's body in their back garden after failing to seek medical help when he became ill have been found guilty of causing or allowing his death. Abiyah Yasharahyalah's skeletal remains were discovered by the police in December 2022 at his parents’ home in Handsworth, Birmingham.

3 mins

Grace period for refugees in Home Office hotels doubled

Refugees living in Home Office hotels will be given twice as long to find somewhere new before they are evicted, The Independent has learnt.

1 min

Lords: vaccine taskforce vital before next pandemic

Britain needs a \"peacetime vaccine task force\" to prepare for the next pandemic, ministers have been warned amid concerns that the government could forget the lessons of Covid-19.

1 min

Simple urine test detects early signs of lung cancer

Scientists have created a new urine test which could indicate the first signs of lung cancer. The majority of cases of lung cancer in England are diagnosed at later stages, meaning the disease can be harder to treat.

2 mins

Bishop says Welby made 'light' of victims in speech

A leading Church of England bishop has criticised the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury over his valedictory speech, accusing him of making light of the Church's failure to protect victims and survivors of abuse.

2 mins

Earl Spencer's new partner is suing his estranged wife

The new partner of Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, has revealed that she has multiple sclerosis, and has filed a lawsuit against his estranged wife for allegedly spreading the private diagnosis.

2 mins

Duke of Sussex laughs off 'trolls' and divorce rumours

The Duke of Sussex has opened up to address rumours spreading online that he and the Duchess of Sussex are getting divorced.

2 mins

Macron says 'coalition of the irresponsible' has sown chaos after Barnier ousted

French president Emmanuel Macron has announced he will name a new prime minister in the coming days to replace the ousted Michel Barnier as the French premier refused to heed calls for his own resignation. In a 10-minute address to the nation, Mr Macron accused the extreme left and right, who shockingly combined to pass a vote of no confidence in Mr Barnier on Wednesday, of thinking only about themselves, and not the voters.

2 mins

South Korean president could face death penalty

Yoon Suk Yeol accused of insurrection over failed martial law

4 mins

Police close in on suspect in shooting of healthcare CEO

Police were yesterday closing in on a suspect in the \"brazen, targeted\" shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. New York police have searched a hostel in upper Manhattan where they believe the suspected gunman was staying, according to CNN.

1 min

M&S Oxford Street store refurb finally gets approval

Marks & Spencer has been given the green light to demolish its flagship Oxford Street store, ending a fierce three-year planning battle over the Art Deco building.

2 mins

Perennial pessimists finally have reason for optimism

Uncertainty surrounds key figures at the club but Everton's long-term future is looking more secure

4 mins

Evergreen Salah reminds Liverpool of his worth again

If delaying and running the clock down formed part of Liverpool's negotiating strategy, the problem they have is that, with every game, Mohamed Salah further strengthens his hand in contract talks. There can be a reason to wait before committing to a player in his thirties, to see if there is evidence of decline. Not when the player is Salah.

4 mins

Why 'new' United signing Yoro can play a vital role

There are still four weeks until the transfer window opens, but Ruben Amorim already has a shiny new signing to drop into his Manchester United team.

3 mins

Dujardin banned for a year over horsewhipping video

Double Olympic dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended from all competition for one year following a horsewhipping controversy that led to her withdrawal from Paris 2024.

2 mins

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